Students’ protests in Gujarat and Bihar, both of which were Congress-ruled States, had a far-reaching impact on the politics of the two States and national politics.  In January 1974 students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil, and other essential commodities, and against corruption in high places. The students’ protest was joined by major opposition parties and became widespread leading to the imposition of President’s rule in the state. Similarly, In March 1974 students came together in Bihar to protest against rising prices, food scarcity, unemployment, and corruption. After a point they invited Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), who had given up active politics and was involved in social work, to lead the student movement.

When did JP Narayan lead a people’s march to the Parliament?

1975

In 1975, JP led a people’s march to the Parliament. This was one of the largest political rallies ever held in the capital. He was now supported by non-Congress opposition parties like the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the Congress (O), the Bharatiya Lok Dal, the Socialist Party and others. These parties were projecting JP as an alternative to Indira Gandhi.